Stuart Skinner replaced Pickard and gave up two goals on 16 shots. He’s been Edmonton’s starting netminder for the better part of the last three seasons and has endured an inconsistent campaign that perhaps most threatens the team’s chances of contending for the Stanley Cup.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) takes down Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont in front of goaltender Stuart Skinner and defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) during the second period o

The only men on the Oilers roster who play a prominent position and are mid-20s are Evan Bouchard (25) and Stuart Skinner (26). None of that is out of time with the rest of the NHL. A team with a strong chance to win the Stanley Cup will often have a large swath of the roster in the age 28-32 range.

Expected starter for Thursday

Skinner gave up two goals on 16 shots in relief of Calvin Pickard in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Ducks. Skinner didn't have to wear the loss, but he didn't do anything to help the Oilers attempt a comeback.

Scuffles continue

Edmonton Oilers' Stuart Skinner plays during an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/)

Pickard stopped seven of 11 shots in one period of Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Ducks. Pickard held firm early in the contest, but he gave up four goals in a span of 6:41 to close out the first period. Stuart Skinner took over in goal for the final two frames.

Stuart Skinner replaced Pickard and gave up two goals on 16 shots. He’s been Edmonton’s starting netminder for the better part of the last three seasons and has endured an inconsistent campaign that perhaps most threatens the team’s chances of contending for the Stanley Cup.

The NHL trade deadline is less than 48 hours away, and it's become very clear that the Oilers need to do something about their goaltending.

Expected starter for Thursday

The Edmonton Oilers looked tired, uninterested, and as their head coach put it after the game, fragile in a 6-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks last night.